On a daily basis, people express to me that they are fed up concerning our tax rates and our deficits. Well, here we go again. The governing bodies are preparing to ask for an increase to our already painfully high sales tax rate.

I am not against an aquatics center but I am opposed to touching a tax rate that is already three or four percentage points on the high side.

Our leaders and legislators should think about lowering such tax rates as opposed to increasing them. I know the razzle-dazzle study will show economic stimulation, but last time I checked California had every venue known to man, but they're broke and facing severe cut backs.

JOHN GRAVENSLUND, Kennewick